SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

Years ago a series of poems were written all with question and answer.  Someday will appear in a Life Lessons chapter.

Sacrifice of Praise

Lord, sometimes there seems to be bumps in the road.

They are there to grow my faith, so I’ve been told.

They are there to draw me close to you, I’ve learned,

for I have found there is no place else to turn.

So next time I’m wondering which end is up,

I’ll simply believe you know what’s best and trust.

My faith will grow through learning to always trust.

Trust is believing you know what’s best for us.

Refrain:

When problems come, not if they will, but when,

I have learned on you I can always depend.

I’ll simply offer a sacrifice of praise

to you, the awesome Creator of my days.

Praising you will take the focus off myself

and open the door for you to send your help.

I’ll offer a sacrifice of praise to you

for I know once again you will see me through.

Lord, sometimes I find myself at wits' end.

I don’t have the answers to why, how, or when.

You know I want solutions right now, today.

I want to know everything will turn out okay.

You’ve promised that trials build perseverance

and perseverance in turn builds Christlikeness.

If that’s the case, then this trial is worth it all.

I’ll simply trust you know what’s best for me through all.

Refrain

Lord, I’ve been burdened with this spirit of fear.

Why now, Lord, when I know you are always near.

Fear makes me afraid so I’ll ask out loud “why”?

This fear is from Satan, the father of lies.

Thank you, Lord, for your answer does clarify.

Your banner over me is love personified.

I feel your indwelling now protecting me.

I’m no longer afraid, for you’ve set me free.

Refrain

Lord, I don’t understand why this has happened.

There are times in life when I’m deeply saddened.

I know you have a good plan and a purpose

for what has happened matures me for your use.

Grow me through these difficult circumstances.

Knowing you have a purpose, my heart dances.

I desire that my focus be on you,

my Counselor through all. Help me to remain true.

Refrain

Let us continually offer to God

a sacrifice of praise -

the fruit of lips

that confess his name.

Hebrews 13:15

Suffering produces perseverance;

perseverance, character; and character, hope.

And hope does not disappoint us,

because God has poured out his love into our hearts

by the Holy Spirit, who he has given us.

Romans 5:3-5

I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,

plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

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